Movie Review: Videsh

Videsh - Heaven on Earth: Puts you off to sleep

Rating: 1.5 out of 5*

Starring: Preity Zinta, introducing Vansh Bharadwaj

Director: Deepa Mehta


Spousal abuse as a theme is not new to cinema. The promos of Deepa Mehta's ‘Videsh - Heaven On Earth’ bring back memories of Jag Mundhra's ‘Provoked’, which also spoke of domestic violence.
From a small town in Punjab, Chand (Preity) arrives alone in Ontario, Canada, to get married to Rocky (Vansh). What she brings with her is her mother's tales and homilies, songs and mythology that follow the bride into her chamber of horrors. But her dreams are shattered on her wedding night itself.
Homesick in foreign land and hopeless of affection from people around, Chand begins to fantasize another version of her life inspired from tales of Indian mythology about a King Cobra. As the snake takes human shape in her hallucinations, she fancies blissful moments with the imaginary but loving clone of her violent husband.
Inspired from Girish Karnad’s play ‘Naag Mandala’, the concept is absolutely mind-boggling. It makes ‘Videsh’ more than just a story of battered wives. It takes us into the minds and hearts of these women, who pop in painkillers to suppress the physical pain of repeated battering, but got no balm for their bruised souls. How the repressed feelings of one such woman find an outlet through her imagination is what makes ‘Videsh’ a class apart from other films on domestic violence.
What keeps you from walking out of the film mid-way is Preity Zinta’s outstanding performance. Most often shown make-up less in the film, Preity has delivered her career best performance in Videsh. Sometimes without any dialogues, just through eyes she expresses so much pain that you can’t help but start feeling extreme pity for her character. Debutante Vansh Bharadwaj is extremely natural and appears mean to the core. Most of the rest of the cast are unknown actors and each one of them right from the old actress playing Preity’s mother in law to the small kids in the house have delivered a very good natural performance.
Apart from Preity Zinta’s powerhouse performance, Vansh Bhardwaj is impactful as the frustrated husband, though he falls short as the loving snake-avatar. The rest of the cast is very complementary and credible. The cenematography aptly recreates the ambience of the average Punjabi family.
On the whole, ‘Videsh - Heaven On Earth’ works in parts, but it's not enough. At the box-office, the Indian market may not be too receptive to the film. It will have to look internationally to recoup the investment.

Movie Review : Barah Aana

Barah Aana: Is a fun ride

Rating: 3 out of 5*

Starring: Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz, Arjun Mathur, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Violante Placido
Director: Raja Menon


After Bas Yun Hi, Barah Aana is Raja Menon’s second movie. In Barah Aana, a slice-of-life drama of three friends in blue-collar jobs, Vijay Raaz plays a building watchman who accidentally stumbles into a crime, and then finds a clever way to profit from it. He lures his two pals an ambitious waiter Aman (Arjun Mathur). and dependable driver Shuklaji (Naseeruddin Shah)into it as well. But as money starts coming in all three of them start showing personality changes. Soon things start going out of hand and it all leads them individually to destinations that they had never planned.
Naseerududin Shah, though does not utter a word, but his silence and acting through eyes and expressions is something one must talk big. Vijay Raaz is brilliant. Rest of the cast is great.
It is one of those movies with a lot of potential that has not been exploited fully. The story’s a good one, so is the cast but the narration is unimpressive, until the second half when it actually takes off.
On the whole, Barah Aana is brilliantly made flick. You should watch it.

Movie Review: Aa Dekhen Zara

Aa Dekhen Zara
Rating: 2 out of 5*
Starring: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Bipasha Basu, Sophie Chaudhary and Rahul Dev
Director: Jehangir Surti

Ray (Neil) is a down on luck wildlife photographer. Whose deceased grandpa leaves him a camera that can take photographs of future events? Ray starts using it for his own materialistic benefits and starts enjoying life. He manages to get a girlfriend, Simi (Bipasha) who works as a DJ in a night club.
As they say with great power comes great responsibility and in Ray's case, also great danger. He must now face up to the dark side of reality and win not only against the evil forces, but also against fate.
Come to think of it, your imagination can run wild with a premise like the one in AA DEKHEN ZARA. But the film runs out of fuel midway.
Director Jehangir Surti has an eye for visuals, but he ought to know that the viewer wants to listen to a good story, told in the most simplistic manner. You ought to be extra careful if you're attempting a suspense thriller. You need to disentangle the knots in such a way that the mystery doesn't remain a mystery in the end. In this case, it still remains a mystery.
Good aid also comes from cameraman Jehangir Chowdhury. Pritam's peppy numbers work but the pub song between Neil and Bipasha appears unnecessary and slackens the pace further. Shyam Kaushal's action is superb though, especially the stunt where Neil is thrown from the top of the terrace.
A DEKHEN ZARA had great potential to be a riveting thriller, but halfway through the film, you realize that the writers have run out of ideas. In fact, by the time the film reaches the finale, the viewer is terribly confused [like the writers of this film]. This is one jigsaw puzzle that remains unsolved even after its culmination.
In a nutshell, AA DEKHEN ZARA promises the moon, but what you eventually get in return is merely a mirage.

Movie Review: Ek - The Power of One

Ek - The Power of One: Nana – Bobby shine in an average film
Rating: 2 out of 5*
Starring: Bobby Deol, Nana Patekar, Shriya Saran, Priti Bhutani, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Raghuvir Yadav, Pradeep Kharab and Zarina Wahab
Director: Sangeeth Sivan


Every time Bobby Deol comes onscreen, the background score goes excruciatingly screechy and the camera zooms to close-up angles for that extra effect. After a long wait, the audience is seeing Bobby Deol (long locks and all) in a sizeable role playing the lead. After Dostana, this I thought would be a good opportunity for Bobby Deol to make a mark in Bollywood.
Nandu (Bobby) and Shekhar (Pradeep Kharab) are childhood pals who have taken to crime and contract killing at a very young age. They get mentored by a goon Sawtya (Jackie Shroff) during their growing up years. Now as grownups, Nandu becomes the most dreaded assassin in town and Shekhar his accomplice who always helps him in getting away from the scene of crime within minutes. Opposition leader Anna Mhatre (Sachin Khedekar) to create a sympathy wave for him in the forthcoming Vidhan Sabha elections hires Nandu to make a false attack on him. According to the plan, Nandu aims a shot on Anna’s arms who is addressing a huge political rally but before he shoots, a bullets zips through Anna’s forehead killing him instantly. Now the Police present on the scene see Bobby fleeing and think of him as the assassinator. When he tries to reach for Shekhar’s car, he sees it getting blown up after it hits a petrol tanker. Chased by cops Nandu enters a train heading towards Punjab. In the train Nandu meets Puran (Akshay Kapoor) who is going back home to Hoshiyaarpur after 18 years since the time he had runaway as a kid. The talkative Puran narrates in short time everything about his home and shows Nandu his souvenirs from home. Just then Police arrives and in the commotion that ensues mistakenly shoot Puran. Nandu yet again succeeds in fleeing the scene. He heads straight to Puran’s house but is mistaken as Puran by his family. Unable to reveal the sad truth, Nandu starts staying in their house impersonating Puran. There he encounters Puran’s childhood love Preet (Shriya). He takes it upon himself to solve all the problems that Puran’s family is facing. But his happiness is short-lived as a quirky but intelligent CBI officer Nandkumar Rane (Nana) hot on trail to nab Anna Mhatre’s assassin lands up in Hoshiyaarpur at Puran’s doorsteps. What follows next forms the rest of the film wherein many secrets get revealed some shocking, some not so shocking.
The twist arises when Shekhar’s family expecting Shekhar after a gap of over 14 years and not recognizing how he looks, welcome Nandu with open arms assuming him to be Shekhar. Nandu, reluctant to be the bearer of the bad news in such a happy atmosphere decides to play along and be Shekhar. Here he falls in love with a very cute and bubbly Preet (Shreya Saran), who is the daughter of Shekhar's grandfather's friend playng a typical Punjabi girl. The plot builds by the case of Nandu being transferred to CBI who in turn assigns it to Inspector Rane (Nana Patekar) who rears a very hip-hop look which definitely does not suit him. There are a number of daring stunts performed both by Nandu and Inspector Rane to give the movie a very Hollywood action movie feel. The action sequences are directed by a famous Hollywood action director. In the end the climax answers all the questions built up during the course of the movie. Bobby Deol can make a better actor but yet doesn’t make a mark in this movie. Nana Patekar’s humor and comedy timing was just ok. All in all, an ok movie. Watch it if you like super-human action sequences.

Madonna 'to adopt second child'

Madonna's official adoption of David Banda was confirmed last year. Now she is ready to adopt a second child, for that he will travel to Malawi.
The 50-year-old is expected to arrive at the weekend and attend a procedural hearing at the High Court on Monday.
She recently told Malawian newspaper Nation that she had been considering another adoption, but wanted the support of the authorities.
An official at the Malawian department of women and child welfare told the BBC's Raphael Tenthani that the pop star had already filed adoption papers and her case could be heard as early as next week.
Madonna's spokeswoman in New York, Liz Rosenberg, would not comment.
Her lawyer in Malawi, Alan Chinula, also declined to comment.
However, a US government official speaking under condition of anonymity told Reuters news agency that an adoption bid was under way.
Writing in response to e-mailed questions from Nation readers last week, Madonna said: "Many people - especially our Malawian friends - say that David should have a Malawian brother or sister.
"It's something I have been considering."
Critics accused the Malawian government of sidestepping laws banning foreign adoptions in order to allow the celebrity to take 13-month-old David home with her.
After the adoption was legalized, Madonna said the difficulties had arisen because "this adoption essentially was the beginning of the creation of adoption laws in Malawi".
She hoped it would make it easier for others to adopt from the country and explained: "I am the template or the role model, so to speak, for future adoptions."
The star also has two biological children - Rocco, her son with former husband Guy Ritchie, and Lourdes, whose father is Carlos Leon.
Film director Ritchie and Madonna's divorce was finalized in November.

Report:Natasha Richardson's Organs to Be Donated

Natasha Richardson Will stays alive after his death in more ways than one. The late actress’ family has requested that her organs be donated.
A family friend name not notified told people that the decision to go ahead with organ donation, made shortly after the 45-year-old was taken off life support, "is very Natasha."
"She spent so much time fighting the stigma of AIDS; someone like that would naturally donate her organs," the source told the magazine. "At least by donating her organs something good could come out of [the tragedy]."
Richardson died on March 18, two days after falling during a ski lesson in Montreal; she was buried near the upstate New York home shared by the actress and husband Liam Neeeson.
Neeson, who was in production on the film Chloe at the time of his wife's accident, is expected to return to the Toronto set shortly

Recession Puts LC's Clothing Line on Hold

These tough times are affecting the fashion world
Lauren Conrad the fashion designer is putting her clothing line on hold for “a few seasons “ as the economy has put a hurting on her $150+ dresses, her rep told
Us Magazine.
According to the rep, Conrad "is taking a hiatus, but the line still exists and will continue." Conrad's rep shoots down any speculation that previous sales have been light, and urges that this decision is simply a tale of the times.
"The sales of her line in the first year doubled what was projected. However, in light of the economy, it's a good time for Lauren to take a few seasons off to re-work her still budding line," the rep said.
Conrad "will look over the past seasons to determine what worked and what didn't work so that she may design clothing that will appeal to her fans."
While you may not be able to pick up any new post-Spring Lauren Conrad designs, you can rest easy in knowing that 'The Hills' is back on MTV on April 6.

Ashton Kutcher Offers Up Marriage Advice

Ashton kutcher The What Happens in Vegas Star, who went with his wife Demi Moore to attend the wedding of Bruce Wills in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Has given some sage relationship advice on his Twitter page .Among his word of wisdom:
• "For me it's about relearning that supporting my wife isn't about providing $ and Home, it's about supporting her desires, needs and emotions."
• "Greatest lesson in my marriage. Don't try to solve her problems, just listen, love and be supportive. This is the opposite of male nature."
• "2nd greatest lesson. When she says time for bed…hop to, good things await."
Then, perhaps in an effort to emphasize the "good things await" part, Ashton later posts a pic of one of Demi's many assets, with the request, "Shhh. Don't tell wifey."
Michael Kelso would be so proud.

Drew Barrymore loved playing tragic role in Grey Gardens

To show to her fans just how miserable she can be, Drew Barrymore loved playing a tragic role in grey gardens. Barrymore said she is not always the happy-go-lucky person as she portrays in her movies and chat shows and playing ‘Little Edie Beale’ in the upcoming TV film gave her the chance to vent her depression, reported ‘Contactmusic’. ““I was excited to bring my own pain to something. I mean, contrary to my happy-go-luckiness, I have so much darkness in there,” Barrymore said.
“Playing Edie, I’m miserable, I’m scared, I feel sick all the time. But it was good because at least I have somewhere to put it that I’m not happy all the time,” the actress was quoted telling to the ‘W’ magazine. Barrymore also confessed that preparing for the film reminded her of a stint in rehab when she was a teenager. The Charlie’s Angels star turned her back on friends, newspapers and technology in an effort to get into the mindset of former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ odd cousin, who lived with her mother in a New York mansion. “I got institutionalized as a kid and I felt like I was back there. A lot of times I found myself unhappy and isolated, and the only other time I felt that way was when I was in there. It was absolutely trying to relearn to live. You are learning to become someone else,” the actress said.

Justin to unveil new tequila brand

A new brand of tequila, named 901 is going to be launched by Justin Timberlake.
The potential businessman and singer already has to his credit the fashion line William Rast,and the music label Tennman
More than two year time has been taken to develop his latest liquor venture
The tequila will hit store shelves in early May in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and St. Louis.
The ‘SexyBack’ hitmaker has named the spirit on the area code for Memphis, where he grew up.
“901 is that time of night when your evening is ending, but your night is just beginning. It is also a subtle nod to his hometown,” ‘People’ magazine quoted the Timberlake’s spokesperson as saying.

Britney Spears gets threat calls

Pop star Britney has cancel her outgoing tour due to increase number of death threat calls.
The pop singer ,who kick-start ‘circus’ earlier this month- has become increasingly concerned that the lives of her sons Sean Preston aged three, and two-year-old Jayden James could be in danger following the alleged threat messages, the ‘Music-news.com’ reported.
"Britney received some anonymous death threats over the phone and in the mail, and her worst fear is a kidnap plot against Sean or Jayden. She's been having terrible nightmares ever since then and she wakes up in the middle of the night crying out for her boys," the website quoted a source as saying.
"She told her head of security and he thinks it's a lone stalker. Her paranoia has reached fever pitch and she's wracked with fear," the source added.
The pop singer seems to be so much upset after she not to be singing live during recent performance, those who are close to her are saying that she may crack under the pressure.
"Britney is under so much strain, what with relentless performing, the bad reviews and the worry over her boys. It all got too much and she screamed at her team, 'I can't do this any- more, why are you all torturing me?' She ran out of the room crying," the source said.

Angelina slaps beau Pitt, sacks nanny

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie relationship seems to be going through violent time as media reports suggest that the actress allegedly slapped brad after catching him on the bed rubbing the back of their female employee.
Brad is said to have been comforting her after she was taken ill. But the sight was enough to throw Angelina into a jealous rage and she allegedly slapped her partner across the face and immediately fired the nanny, , the ‘Daily mail’ said quoting the ‘Star’ magazine.
A source is quoted as saying, "She got right in Brad's face, screaming at the top of her lungs, and told the nanny to get out of her house and never come back. The argument woke up the sleeping twins, who began to cry."
"As Brad tried to console both the twins and the nanny, Angie just snapped - and slapped! - hitting him right across the face," the source added.
It's alleged the argument took plays in the days after they appeared together at the Academy Awards.
However, the pair's representative has so far not responded to the reports.

'13B' might be remade by Hollywood

Indian film-maker have already made Hollywood films and remaking them in various Indian languages. But, to my surprise, a Hollywood studio is keen on remaking a Hindi film, after acquiring its legitimate remaking rights from its producers. The film in question is the just-released ‘13B’.
Confirms Jawahar Sharma, COO - International Film Business, Big Pictures, "The studios in West are recognizing the enormous talent in India, especially young film-makers and writers. There's tremendous pool of talent that needs to be tapped. The subject of ‘13B’ is such, it can easily crossover to the Western audiences, if made in international languages."
A leading studio has evinced keen interest in the script of ‘13B’. "No, they haven't watched the film yet. I presume, they must've gone through the synopsis and found it interesting," Jawahar continues, "See, horror films made in Japan and Korea have already got international recognition. They [the studio] feel that 13B also has the potential to strike a chord with Western audiences."

Alicia Silverstone with Biography.

Biography

Name : Alicia Silverstone
Birthday : October 4, 1976
Birthplace : San Francisco, CA, USA
Height : 5' 7 Eye Color : Emerald Green
Religion : Jewish
Father : Monty, a real estate investor financial consultant
Mother : Didi, a former airline stewardess
Brother : David
Sister : Kezi Silverstone
Junior High School : Crocker Middle school
High School : San Mateo High School - Beverly Hills High School

Alicia Silverstone Detailed Biography
She was born on October 4,1976, in San Francisco, California to parents of English decent. Her mom, Didi was a former airline stewardess and her dad Monty, a real estate Investor. Alicia attended San Mateo High School in San Mateo, California, where the movie ''Dangerous Minds'' was filmed. At the age of 6, Alicia received a series of modeling jobs. Soon thereafter, she appeared in a Domino's Pizza television commercial and then, who could forget her guest appearance as Kevin's (Fred Savage) dream girl on ''The Wonder Years''?

Alicia landed her first movie, ''The Crush,'' at the age of 15. She starred as the man-hungry Adrian Forrester opposite Cary Elwes, and won ''Best Villain'' and ''Breakthrough Performance' ' at the 1994 MTV Movie Awards. During the filming, she found an injured dog on the side of the road. Since then, animal-lover Alicia contributes a portion of her movie earnings to an animal foundation.